Raphinha Critiques Barcelona's Defensive Performance Following Thrilling 3-3 Draw With Inter

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Barcelona's defence came under scrutiny from Raphinha following their 3-3 draw against Inter in the Champions League semi-final first leg. The match, held on Wednesday, ended with a scoreline that matched the highest in a Champions League semi-final, equalling Dynamo Kyiv and Bayern Munich's 3-3 draw in 1998-99.

Despite playing their 300th game in the competition, Barcelona couldn't secure a home victory even after netting three goals. This was only the third time they scored at least three goals at home without winning. Raphinha assisted Ferran Torres for the 2-2 equaliser and played a key role in Barcelona's second equaliser when his shot hit the crossbar and deflected off Yann Sommer.

Raphinha criticised Barcelona's defensive performance, although Inter managed just seven shots with an expected goals value of 0.91. "When you play at home like we did, the sensation is that we should have managed to earn a better result," Raphinha told Movistar Plus. "We can't concede that many goals, especially at home."

He acknowledged Inter's strength but emphasised Barcelona's responsibility to win at home. "Sure, you have to give praise to our opponents who are strong and played well tonight but we are Barca and it's our duty to win at home, that's how it is," he added.

The result leaves everything open for the return leg in Milan. Raphinha expressed hope for improvement: "The result is not that bad and it leaves it all open for the return leg in Milan so we will try to correct the mistakes so we can go there and grab the win that will take us to the final."

Raphinha's assist tally reached eight for this campaign, nearing Luis Figo’s record of nine assists in a single Champions League season. The Brazilian has contributed to 20 goals this term, with only Cristiano Ronaldo having more direct goal involvements in a single season with 21 during 2013-14.